Relationship-centred CogniCare: an academic–digital–dementia care experts interface. Issue 1 (24th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Macaden, Leah; Muirhead, Kevin; Melchiorre, Giulia; Mantle, Ruth; Ditta, Geraldine; Giangreco, Adam
• Is Part Of: Working with older people. Volume 25:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2020-12-24
• Subjects: Family carers -- Digital -- Co-production -- Dementia -- Informal care -- Relationship-centred care; Community health services for older people -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.6094105
• DOI: 10.1108/WWOP-05-2020-0016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-3666

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper aims to reports on an academic–industry service development innovation to advance the symptom monitor and track feature within the CogniCare app to support family carers of people living with dementia. Expert opinion from dementia care professionals identified key monitoring strategies for enhanced carer competence and confidence in the early identification of relevant symptoms that would help facilitate meaningful hospital/social care consultations. Design/methodology/approach: A co-production approach between industry and academia included stakeholder representation from NHS Highland and Alzheimer Scotland. Dementia care experts validated items to be included for symptom monitoring and tracking using a newly developed A 2 BC 2 D 2 EF 2 framework as part of this project and recommended additional strategies for monitoring symptom change, including carer well-being. Findings: Dementia care experts perceived the symptom monitoring and track feature to have the potential to support family carers with dementia care at home and foster a relationship-centred approach to dementia care to facilitate meaningful hospital/social care consultations. Originality/value: The CogniCare app is the first platform of its kind that aims to support family carers to care for people living with dementia at home. This unique service development collaborative combined dementia and digital expertise to create innovative digital solutions for dementia care. The proposed monitoring and tracking feature is perceived by dementia care experts as a tool with the potential to enhance carer confidence and thus enable safe and effective dementia care within the home environment.